child ask for help

Student Self-Advocacy: Why won’t my child ask for help in class?

Asking for help is not easy for many bright, young students, especially in front of peers. But with the right strategies, almost all kids can learn to communicate their needs to overcome their challenges and stop feeling like they’re the only ones struggling.

ACT and SAT Tests and Test-Optional Admissions in 2024

Test-Optional Insights: Understanding the Impact of the SAT and ACT on College Admissions in 2024

Some college and universities that previously adopted a Test-Optional policy during the COVID-era are reassessing their stance. Many are now placing renewed emphasis on SAT and ACT scores, recognizing the limitations of relying solely on grades.

In this blog, we discuss the evolving college admissions landscape with the Director of Outreach at the National Test Prep Association.

how we're helping students close learning gaps

How We’re Helping Students Close COVID Learning Gaps… Nearly Four Years After Widespread Academic Disruptions

The ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt in our nation’s education system, including widespread learning gaps among students.

In this blog, we’re offering insight from our team of Educational Specialists. Read the common concerns parents are bringing up and how we’re helping students bridge learning gaps through individualized academic attention.

January is perfect storm for students

January: A Perfect Storm for Students

January is a “perfect storm” for students, so it’s time to start planning now. The work after New Year’s tends to get more challenging and there are lots of tests and projects before the grading period ends.

And it all happens right after a two-week break! Here’s how you can help your child weather the upcoming storm.

The power of practice tests

The Power of Practice Tests and Study Guides to Boost Learning and Reduce Test Anxiety

Most students rely on re-reading their notes and textbooks to prepare for a test. Yet, this age-old approach isn’t as practical as you might think.

Learn the most powerful research-based study techniques used by our tutors and executive function coaches. I’ll also explore new research that shows practice tests (at home or school) can help students improve their grades and reduce anxiety on test day.

what are the signs that your child needs a tutor

4 Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor

There are obvious indicators, like grades or a child who regularly complains that they “can’t stand school.” But there are also more subtle signs that a student is struggling academically and needs help.

In this blog, we’ll explore some signs that show your student needs individualized academic attention to catch up and build confidence.

Crafting Your Distinct Application Navigating Admissions Changes at VA Tech and UVA

Crafting Your Distinct Application: Navigating Admissions Changes at VA Tech and UVA

Legacy admissions and Early Decision practices are changing at some universities, and supplemental questions have an added importance in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s mandate to remove direct questions about race from college applications.

This might add to the already confusing application process, but rest assured; these changes signal a pivotal moment for constructing a solid application strategy and your child’s opportunity to showcase their individuality.

Messy Student and School Organizing Tips

10 School Organizing Tips To Start The Year Strong (For All Ages)

Organization can make or break your student’s level of success in school because it’s one of those “cornerstone” habits that impacts almost every other area in their academic lives.

Here is a list of ten school organizing tips for your family to start off the new school year strong (and keep those habits going throughout the year.)

college executive function coaching

Unlocking Independence: How Executive Function Skills Help High School Grads Transition to College Life

Students are used to having a structured schedule and routine while living at home in high school. Once they head off to college, students have a lot more freedom to choose their classes and activities, which can lead to poor time management if not handled correctly.

Learn how to help your new college student find success managing all their new responsibilities.

tips for reluctant readers

7 Ways to Engage your Reluctant Reader this Summer

It can be a tough task to engage your child in summer learning, especially if you have a reluctant reader on your hands. Thankfully, there are some fun and easy ways to incorporate reading without going overboard.

So here are some tips (and book recommendations!) to turn your kids into happy readers over summer break.

gears in motion

How to Get Your Child’s Brain Gears in Motion this Summer

Many parents assume that when their child struggles academically, it’s because they lack motivation, are lazy, or simply not cut out for school. However, these assumptions are often misplaced.

The reality is that academic success is not just about intelligence but also about the strength of your child’s executive function skills.

my kids don't care about the summer learning slide

Summer Learning Slide: Help! My Kids Don’t Seem to Care About it

I wish I could say it’s easy to find the perfect balance between a carefree, relaxing summer and making sure your kids are invested in summer learning and prepared for the upcoming school year. But I know it’s a challenge. Here’s exactly what used to work in my house when my kids were younger.

campus tours and other summer activities to impress colleges

10 Essential Summer Activities for College-Bound Teens

Your child can use this summer as an opportunity to help their future college applications stand out. In fact, summer break is the perfect time for high schoolers to prep for college, explore possible career interests, and demonstrate they are creative and motivated to work hard and go after goals. In this blog, we will explore ten summer activities to impress colleges and ensure future college applications will stand out.

college student in library

Get an Inside Scoop on College Admissions

Parents contact our office every day with questions about how their high schoolers can stand out when applying for college and concerns about what they should be doing right now to start the process. So we asked one of our ask our expert College Consultants to weigh in.

Get help for math anxiety

Math Anxiety: 7 Steps To Conquer It

When new concepts don’t add up, and math anxiety sets in, students feel stressed, and parents can feel overwhelmed.

Math anxiety can be a real problem for both students and adults. Here’s why it happens and what you can do even if you’re not a math person.

what are executive functioning skills for students

What Are Executive Functioning Skills and Why Do They Matter?

Everyone has executive functioning skills, but just like the ability to play a musical instrument, some people’s skills are more developed and stronger than those of others.

While the concept of executive functions may be a complicated one, there is one simple fact: strong executive functioning skills are absolutely vital for long-term success in school.

ADHD Homework Help at ectutoring.com

With ADHD Homework Can Be Tough: Here Are 3 Strategies For Success

With ADHD, homework can become a real struggle. It is essential to know how ADHD impacts your child before you can choose the best approach to help them succeed academically.

In this blog, learn different ways ADHD manifests itself in students and effective homework and studying strategies to help get your child moving in the right direction.

Student Scores Are Slipping

Why Student Scores are Slipping and How Parents Can Help

The Nation’s Report Card for 2022 shows average student scores are slipping to historic lows. The report highlights the extended impacts of COVID-related school disruptions. But I would argue this downward trend started before the pandemic.

In this article, I’ll break down the new test score data, three reasons I think contributed to the declining scores, and then share what parents can do to help their kids catch up.

Planning Ahead to Pay for College

How to Prepare for the Exorbitant Cost of College

We no longer live in an age where students can subsidize their education with a part-time job, a small loan or scholarship, and a little bit of help from their parents.

So what can you do now to cover your child’s college costs later? In this guest blog by The College Funding Coach, we have tips for parents in the early-stage and late-stage of planning.

Time Blind Student and How to Help

How to Help a “Time Blind” Student

Students who are “time blind” struggle to manage their time effectively because they aren’t aware of how much time is actually ticking by. This makes it challenging for a time blind student to complete their daily schoolwork and other responsibilities, as well as plan ahead for their future.

So how can parents help a time blind student become more productive?

Instilling Time Management

5 Ways to Instill Student Time Management Skills

When students are in control of their time and schedule, it leads to increased confidence, efficiency, and overall success.

In this article, we’ll share five time management tips to help students achieve their goals and get more done in less time, including some of our executive function coaches favorite strategies.

webinar and does the PSAT count

Does The PSAT Count? Here’s What you Need to Know

We regularly get asked by parents of high school juniors and sophomores, “Does the PSAT Count?” Here’s everything you need to know about this annual practice test for the SAT.

Plus, you’re invited to our free PSAT webinar. Click for registration details and join us on October 3, 2022. We can’t wait to see you there!

Why math is often misunderstood and how to help your child

Why Math is Often Misunderstood (and How to Prevent Falling Behind at the Start of the New School Year)

As parents, we want to see our children thrive in school, and that includes math class. But math is one of those subjects that students often either love or find incredibly challenging and frustrating.

Since math is often misunderstood, we asked our Math Tutor and Program Manager, Susan Poppiti, J.D., to weigh in on why it’s so important to ensure students who don’t have a strong math foundation at the start of the school year have a support system in place.

What does summer executive function coaching look like

What does summer executive function coaching look like?

It’s that time of year when kids are dreaming about sleeping in, hanging out with friends all day, and binging on Netflix and Xbox without having to think about homework, extracurriculars, and school. Meanwhile, this is the time of year when many parents start worrying about what their kids will do all summer and if … Read more

struggling to write

Struggling to Write? Try These Strategies at Home

For some children, writing can be a challenging, frustrating, discouraging experience. This can create poor performance in school and life. Learn some helpful strategies to help your student build confidence in writing.